Chuck Bridges Blog

I have to admit that one of my least favorite things to do is pack my personal items in preparation for taking a trip. This week my mind is constantly thinking about things that I need to take care of before leaving. Do we have enough luggage (this is the first time my family is going with me on a mission trip). Does our luggage meet the requirements of the airlines? I need to cut the grass before leaving! There was an earthquake in California yesterday!!!

By the way, in case you didn’t know, a team of 33 people from Washington Avenue are leaving this Saturday to go to San Diego, Ca. for a week long mission trip. We are working with a group of dynamic young leaders who moved to San Diego solely on  God’s call to go and start a new church there. Did you know that the Torrey Pines area of San Diego represents one of the largest unchurched places in America? That statistic blew me away. Kevin and Susan Campbell and their leadership team have their work cut out for them.

We are going to assist them in getting the information spread throughout this area that a new church is coming to town. They have already moved out to the area and have received favorable response from people who have asked them why they left their homes and moved to the other side of North America. I think unchurched people take notice when Christ-Followers DO things that substantiate the faith we talk about. When they see young people moving to a new state, far away from family and friends, it makes them realize how life-changing our commitment to Christ should be. People want to connect with Christ-Followers who live with radical abandon!

Here are some things to pray about for San Diego:

• Safety in our travel (several on our team have never flown on an airplane)
• Remaining financial needs for team members
• Financial shortage for our planned agenda. We may have to change some of our plans for engaging people unless more money comes in by Friday.
• No More EARTHQUAKES!
• Receptivity among the people we will encounter throughout our travel times and while in S.D.
• Kevin and Susan Campbell, their 3 children, and the Leadership Team for “Elevate.” (the new church)
• Resources for this new church plant; God’s protection and wisdom for Elevate.
• A location for the church to have their meetings so a launch date can be publicized.

I will try to keep everyone updated on the things that happen in San Diego next week on this blog. So, stay tuned and thanks for honoring me by reading my ramblings. May God richly bless you!